Top 15 Highest Paid Engineering Jobs in the UK

The UK is known for highest paying engineering degrees, and it has not gone unnoticed that engineering has continued to be the highest-paying profession and has been in demand for years and years. Whether it be civil engineering or environmental engineering, curiosity is key to learning. And developing the skills and ability to design tests develop utilising the knowledge of maths and science. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the best paying engineering jobs UK.

Top 15 Highest Paid Engineering Jobs in the UK

The United Kingdom has always been one of the most preferred countries to pursue higher education, especially in Engineering. One major reason students aspire to go to the UK is the employment opportunities and job market they are exposed to. Let's take a look at the top 15 highest paid engineering jobs in the UK.

1. Petroleum Engineering

Average salary: £75,000-£80,000/year

Professions: Petroleum Engineer, Production Engineer, Offshore Drilling Engineer

Top Companies: Chevron, Aramco Services Company, Exxon Mobil

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University of Manchester, Heriot-Watt University

Skills required: Working Under Pressure, Problem Solving, Analytical

Petroleum engineering is one of the best paid engineering jobs UK. The job here is to extract hydrocarbon deposits like natural gas and oil from the earth. It is fact that around 90% of roles are based onshore. They offer one of the highest paying engineering jobs in the UK. The engineers play a major role in planning, designing, and constructing boreholes and oil wells, as well as collaborating and cooperating with other professionals. This will help reach environmental standards and emission targets. 

2. Biomedical Engineering

Average salary:  £34,500/year

‍Professions: Clinical engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Researcher

Top Companies: Expodent, Luton, Brainlab

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Nottingham Trent University

Skills required: Math, Problem Solving, 

Biomedical engineering is a confluence of biology and medicine. Biomedical engineers usually contribute to creating new strategies and products that can improve and will be useful to human health. As one of the top paying engineering jobs UK, it is expanding due to technological advancements, rising healthcare costs, and a growing emphasis on medicine and healthcare innovation. This is another highest paid engineering job in the UK as they get an opportunity to straddle life sciences and understand the prevention and diagnosis of human diseases. You can check out the best biomedical engineering schools here!

3. Electrical Engineering

Average salary: £45,000- £40,000/year 

Professions: Electrical Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Apprentice Engineer

Top Companies: Boskalis, Amey, Morson

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College of London, University of Leeds, University of Southampton

Skills required: Creativity, Mathematics, Project Management 

Electrical engineering is another of the highest paying engineering jobs in the UK. This job offers several opportunities to professionals who work closely with energy engineers and mechanical engineers, where 74% of electrical engineers are employed. Electrical engineers play a vital role in drawing up circuit diagrams, utilising specialised computer software, and even testing installations. This profession is definitely on the list of top paying engineering jobs UK and worth exploring!

4. Civil Engineering

Average salary: £42,000-£50,500 /year 

Professions: Site Engineer, Civil Engineer, Site Civil Engineer

Top Companies: AECOM, Atkins, Jacobs

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University College London, University of Sheffield

Skills required: Methodical and rational thinking, Project Management, Mathematical

Civil engineers basically look after providing their expertise and constructing large projects like bridges, transport links, and even residential buildings. As one of the best paying engineering jobs UK, it is known for its major civil engineering projects, including infrastructure developments like Crossrail, Thames Tideway Tunnel, and various road and bridge constructions across the country. Civil engineering is one of the high paying engineering jobs in the UK that not only stresses man-made projects but also throws light on maintaining a naturally built environment and constructing structures like dams, etc, and other creative systems that help in maintaining the existing environment.

5. Mechanical Engineering

Average salary: £40,000-£55,000/year 

Professions: Mechanical Engineer, Equipment Engineer, R&D engineer

Top Companies: WSP, Arup, Arrival

Best Universities in the UK offering this course: University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham, University of Liverpool

Skills required: Technical, commercial awareness, teamwork

Elevators or refrigerators, we use so many machines in our daily lives. Mechanical engineers design several power-producing and power-using machines that make our lives easier. Besides being one of the highest paid engineering jobs UK, it has a strong reputation for research and innovation in mechanical engineering. This is also one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK, giving engineers opportunities to test and design mechanical machines that will be used in several industrial sectors. You would be surprised by the mechanical engineering salary in the UK market; with growing demand and skills, there are job vacancies for the same. Here are some of the best schools for mechanical engineering.

6. Aerospace Engineering

Average salary: £54,000-£60,000/year   

Professions: Aircraft Engineer, Aerodynamicist, Aircraft Inspector

Top Companies: Mathworks, BAE systems, Top Aces

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London

Skills required: Analytical, communication, computer-aided design skills

Aerospace engineering is another branch of engineering that provides knowledge about several aircraft and eventually falls under the bracket of the highest paid engineering jobs UK. Aerospace engineers evaluate designs to ensure that they meet engineering principles. They design, develop, and even test and evaluate missiles and spacecraft. The aerospace engineers also create prototypes and test them to ensure that they function according to their respective designs. This is undoubtedly one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK.

7. Robotics Engineering

Average salary: £40,000 / year 

Professions: Field Support Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Computer Scientists

Top Companies: AES, KUKA, Retrack Personnel Holdings Limited

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: University of Bristol, Imperial College London, University of Glasgow 

Skills required: Design Skills, Complex Problem-Solving Skills, Knowledge of Engineering Science

The creation of robots requires a lot of detailing, for instance, the calculations and gearing, which are intricate parts defining the functioning of the robot. As one of the highest paying engineering jobs in the UK, robotic engineers design and develop robotic prototypes and also look for bugs so that they can debug and optimise the robotic systems for better working. Robotics engineering is also another branch of engineering that is amongst the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK.

8. Nuclear Engineering

Average salary: £104,709/year 

Professions: Process Engineer, Reactor Operator, Nuclear Technician

Top Companies: Nuclear Ecocareers, AWE Plc, Atkins

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: University of Manchester, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol

Skills required: Analytical, Computer, Logical

Nuclear engineering is one of the most crucial branches of engineering and is also considered risky, as one mishap in the nuclear plant can lead to huge destruction. Being the most important and popular, no doubt it is not just one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK but the best paid engineering jobs UK as the country collaborates with other countries on nuclear energy research and development initiatives. Nuclear engineers usually look after designing power stations, their operation, and development, which also includes the equipment used.

9. Data Engineering

Average salary: £58,254/year 

Professions: Data Engineer, Data Architect, Database administrator

Top Companies: Thales, Kwalee, Causaly

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University College London, University of Edinburgh

Skills required: SQL, Programming Language, Data Warehouse

Data engineers design and build systems that can collect, manage, and convert raw data into valid information that data scientists and business analysts can use. They usually work to make the received data accessible, which can be used to optimise the organisation's performance. This is also another branch of engineering that is amongst the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. Data Engineering roles can be found across various industries, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, telecommunications, and more.

10. Chemical Engineering

Average salary: £28,600 /year

Professions: Metallurgist, Chemical Engineer, process development scientist

Top Companies: Nanomax, INEOS Grangemouth, Phillips 66

Best Universities in the UK Offering this Course: University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London

Skills required: Chemical Kinetics, Designs, Project Management

Chemical engineering is amongst the most intriguing branches of engineering, as chemical engineers produce valuable items by using raw materials. It is an amalgamation of experimental sciences, life sciences, and natural sciences. It is subject to strict regulations and safety standards in the UK, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas. It develops and designs chemical manufacturing processes by applying chemistry and physics principles to design types of equipment. This is also one of the best paid engineering jobs UK. Engineering positions currently have the highest average salaries compared to other fields in the UK due to the demand for skilled professionals, especially in tech, renewable energy, and construction. In fact, many top Harvard University graduates, like Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg, graduated with engineering backgrounds prior to their meteoric career rises.

11. Nuclear Engineering

Average salary: £40,000 to £80,000 per year

Professions: Reactor engineers, radiation protection specialists, nuclear safety engineers, and nuclear physicists

Top Companies: EDF Energy, Sellafield Ltd, Rolls-Royce, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL)

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University of Manchester, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, and University of Oxford

Skills required: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Modeling and Simulation

Nuclear engineering is among the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. With the country's commitment to nuclear energy, professionals in this field are in high demand. Their expertise in designing, operating, and maintaining nuclear power plants ensures a stable energy supply. The complexity and responsibility of the work command lucrative salaries, making it an attractive career path for engineers. 

The UK is known for highest paying engineering degrees, and it has not gone unnoticed that engineering has continued to be the highest-paying profession and has been in demand for years and years.

12. Academic Engineering

Average salary: £40,000 to £70,000 per year

Professions: professors, researchers, consultants, or project managers

Top Companies: Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Siemens, Arup

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London

Skills required: Research Skills, Critical Thinking, Communication Skills, Teaching and Mentoring

In the UK, Academic Engineering emerges as one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. Bridging the realms of research and education, academic engineers delve into innovative projects while imparting knowledge to future generations. With a blend of technical prowess and scholarly pursuits, they develop breakthroughs in diverse sectors, from sustainable infrastructure to cutting-edge technologies. In this realm where intellect meets industry, academic engineers command impressive salaries, reflecting the pivotal role they play in shaping both the present and future of engineering in the UK.

13. Drainage Engineering

Average salary: £30,000 to £60,000 per year

Professions: Drainage Engineer, Water Resources Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Hydraulic Engineer

Top Companies: Jacobs Engineering Group, Mott MacDonald, WSP Global, Arcadis

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: University of Birmingham, University of Leeds, University of Southampton, Cranfield University

Skills required: Technical Expertise, Design Skills, Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving 

Drainage Engineering is a crucial and specialised branch of civil engineering and one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. These experts design and maintain water drainage systems to manage resources and prevent flooding. Using advanced techniques, they ensure sustainable stormwater and wastewater management, protecting urban and rural areas. This demanding profession is a part of the highest paying engineering jobs in the UK. It plays a key role in developing resilient infrastructure and safeguarding communities from water-related issues.

14. Design Engineering

Average salary: £40,000 to £70,000 per year

Professions: Product Designer, CAD Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Industrial Designer

Top Companies: Google, Microsoft, Apple Inc

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford

Skills required: Analytical, Communication skills, Creativity, Problem-solving skills

Design Engineering is a key field where creativity meets technical skill. These professionals are some of the highest paid engineers. They design and optimise products and systems using tools like CAD and simulations. They work in industries from automotive to aerospace, driving innovation and improving functionality and safety. This dynamic career offers fall in the bucket of highest paid engineering jobs in the UK and the chance to make a real impact on technology and everyday life.

15. Environmental Engineering

Average salary: £50,000 to £70,000 per year

Professions: Environmental manager, Environmental scientist, Land surveyor

Top Companies: AECOM, Arcadis, Jacobs, Stantec

Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University, College London

Skills required: Work Independently, Meet Deadlines, Problem Solving

Environmental Engineering is one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK and is a critical field focused on protecting and improving our environment. These engineers develop solutions to manage pollution, waste, and natural resources, ensuring clean air, water, and soil. Using advanced technology and sustainable practices, they tackle issues like climate change and resource depletion. This rewarding career is definitely one of the best paying engineering jobs UK, and opens the opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet and future generations.

Highest Paying Engineering Companies UK

Numerous highest paid engineering jobs in the UK that have existed for centuries can be found in London. Engineers in the capital city of the United Kingdom offer a wide choice of exciting employment options. 56 per cent of UK engineers have received a pay increase in the past 12 months. Here is a summary of some of London's highest paying engineering companies in UK. 

1. Arup (Highest salary - £87,962 per year)/
2. BAE Systems(Highest salary - £149,760 per year)
3. Babcock International ( Highest salary - £219,012 per year)
4. Arcadis ( Highest salary - £568,599 per year)
5. Thales ( Highest salary - £125,000 per year)

These were the top 12 highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. You can take a look at some other branches of engineering that have a moderate to high payroll. Now that you know that you can be exposed to an extensive job market and can apply for the highest paid engineering jobs UK, the few best engineering universities in the UK where you can learn and apply for placements after completion of your degree shouldn't go untouched. Pack your bags and fly away to the country of serene beauty! All the best!

Home that Matches your Engineering Ambitions

With your sights set on top engineering roles, make sure your living space supports your career goals. Explore our top student accommodations that offer comfort and convenience for your professional journey.

1. Allied Students Edinburgh College Residence, Edinburgh
2. Yugo Globe Works, Birmingham
3. Project Students Step House, Newcastle Upon Tyne
4. Collegiate Corporation Village, Coventry
5. Student FM The Metropolis, Newcastle Under Lyme